Things You'll Need:
- Notebook
- Pen
- Computer with Internet access
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Step 1
Create a mental picture in your head. Don't focus on what your character will look like but how he will act in certain situations---how he will sound---what his basic personality will be.
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Step 2
Write out a brief character sketch, including a brief physical description, relevant background, personality, fears and motivations---anything you would be including in the story. Make sure to keep it handy so you can refer to it---this helps eliminate any continuity errors.
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Step 3
Give your character flaws. People like a character they can identify with. People are imperfect and your character should be as well. No one can identify with a completely flawless character or a one-dimensional stereotype.
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Step 4
Show, don't tell. Don't tell us that a character is nice, mean, funny, happy or sad. Instead, use dialog and situations to show what a certain character is like.
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Step 5
Write dialog that is unique and realistic for the character. An 81-year-old grandmother should not sound the same as a 12-year-old boy. An aristocrat would not speak in the same fashion as a street urchin. Above all, the dialog should sound natural for the place and time in which the character is living.
